Dormouse Surveys for Planning and Conservation

Dormouse Surveys

Legal Compliance and Planning Support

The Hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius is protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (as amended) and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is an offence to:

• Deliberately capture, injure, kill, or disturb dormice
• Intentionally or recklessly obstruct access to any structure/place used for shelter or protection
• Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place

Our services include:

• Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA) – Assessing habitat suitability and presence
• Nest Tube Surveys – Deploying tubes within suitable habitat across a site, following guidance from the Dormouse Conservation Handbook
• Impact Assessments – Evaluating potential effects of proposed developments on dormouse populations
• Mitigation & Licensing – Developing strategies and obtaining necessary licences from statutory bodies

Nest tube surveys are undertaken over multiple visits between April and November. Points are calculated based on the months tubes are installed, with September being optimal. Starting surveys early is advisable to minimise project delays.

If dormice are present and proposed works will impact their habitat, a suitable licence from Natural England will be required.